Charleston Roofing: Article About Replacing Windows

Roofing term from Lowcountry Roofing, Charleston SC:U factor

Also called the U value, the U factor of a window ranges from 0.20 to 1.20. The lower the number, the better the window is at insulating and keeping heat in. The Department of Energy recommends that South Carolina windows have a U factor equal to 0.30 or lower.

The Department of Energy advises a solar heat gain coefficient equal to or less than 0.25 and a U factor that is 0.30 or less. It recommends a higher number for visible transmittance and windows with an air leakage of 0.30 or less. During warm times, a lower solar heat gain coefficient is more important than a lower U factor.

Lowcountry Roofing: Quality Roofing in Charleston SC

Installing new windows adds atmosphere and vibrancy to a home and makes the home quieter and less drafty. New windows also cut down on maintenance tasks because they're easier to clean, and the combination storm and screen windows are environmentally friendly. A Charleston roofing professional can help homeowners determine what kinds of windows best fit their preferences and budget.

Homeowners do not need to spend a lot of money on window options and should look for features that serve a practical purpose. Windows with low e coatings boost efficiency, but triple glazed windows are unnecessary unless a homeowner is worried about noise or temperatures getting really frigid in the winter. E coating is clear and reflects heat while also letting light in. In warmer areas, it's applied to the outside of the glass to bounce the sun's heat off windows.

Hurricane safety measures are important when replacing windows. For example, building codes in many areas require hurricane shutters. Homeowners should consider shutters for their doors as well, including garage doors. Other than from a storm surge, most hurricane damage in a home occurs when windows and doors allow the wind entry, and the wind exerts pressure on the walls and roofs. Impact resistant glass may also be required and cuts down on noise.

Have a question regarding metals roofs or shingle roofs? Ask a roofing contractor at Lowcountry roofing of Charleston SC.

For easier cleaning, homeowners should get double hung windows that tilt in. Full screens allow maximum airflow when the top window is lowered and the bottom window raised. Screens with finer mesh allow higher light penetration and let homeowners enjoy views more than they would with traditional screens.

A few numbers for homeowners to look at when selecting windows are the U factor, also called the U value, the solar heat gain coefficient and the visible transmittance. The U factor tends to be 0.20 to 1.20; the lower the number, the better the window keeps heat in. The solar heat gain coefficient ranges between 0 and 1, and the lower the number, the better the window is in warm climates for blocking the sun's heat. Visible transmittance is also between 0 and 1. A higher number indicates that the window lets in more visible light.

When new windows are installed in a home, exterior cladding is also often installed. Exterior cladding is aluminum matching the window color and also carries a weatherproof seal. It requires special tools and some training, so homeowners should ask about the installation of this material during their window installation estimate.

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For all of your roofing, siding, and window needs, call us at (843) 303-4080 or contact us via the below form.